Chromecast - can it stream from a NAS?

Phate

Phate

Phate

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Hi all,

Finally getting round to sorting out the TV in the bedroom. I'm just trying to decide the best way to get content streamed to it.

The idea of a Chromecast is very appealing. No cables, all runs through WiFi, little hassle etc. But from what I can gather from googles site is that you have to use a tablet or similar to 'cast/send' stuff to it to then play through the TV.

Can it not browse DNLA shares on the network for example?

If not what's going to be the cleanest/easiest/low maintenance solution for streaming my content to the TV in the bedroom?

Don't talk to me about PLEX. I tried it before, it was so hit and miss I got fed up with it, lol.

Requirements would be wifi as I totally cannot be bothered to run yet more network cables through the house.

So, what say you OcUK?

TIA
Jake
 
Chromecast is just a dumb player. You do the browsing on your tablet/phone, and then cast it to the Chromecast.

FWIW I run Plex. I've tried some other options but went back to it as it was the best package.

Chromecast isn't going to play all your 'legitimately source' MKV without some transcoding either, usual deal with locked down hardware.
 
Thought as much, that's Chromecast out of the window then.

Hmm, I might look into simple XBMC options. Ones that can run through WiFi. Maybe a Pi or something.
 
Phate said:
Thought as much, that's Chromecast out of the window then.

Hmm, I might look into simple XBMC options. Ones that can run through WiFi. Maybe a Pi or something.
Click to expand...

While it's a bit more expensive get an Intel NUC running XBMC (Kodi) off a USB stick.
This will play everything, and will last a very long time.
 
I'm still running my first gen Pi with latest Kodi release and as long as I use the standard skin it plays absolutely everything I have thrown at it (including 10gb bluray rips) all from my NAS.

I wouldn't be without my Chromecast as I like the compatibility options with my phone/tablet but to me there is nothing I have seen that would stream NAS-stored content for the price point of the Pi (not saying it is the best overall option but for £30 you can’t really go wrong IMO).

I'm with you OP re: Plex - just doesn't do it for me (possibly broadband speed more of an issue for me) but not a fan.
 
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I had a Pi B running Raspbmc which would happily stream video content over wifi from my NAS with just a £4 wifi nano USB dongle thingy. I'm now using an Odroid C1 which is similar to the RPi 2 model B, but slightly faster and has gigabit ethernet which isn't shared with the USB bus.

If you wanted to go Pi you'd need a 5v 2A ish power supply, a suitably sized microSD card and maybe a case to go with it which can bump the price up by a few quid.
 
Phate said:
Can you post more info please? Sounds ideal :)
Click to expand...

Deep said:
I bought a Nuc Celeron 2830 and am running Open Elec off a USB stick.
It's perfect.

It cost:
£118 for the NUC
£33 for the Ram and also a 16gb USB 3 drive
£151

Plays all my uncompressed Blu Rays with absolutely no issues.
Tomorrow I'll screw it to the back of my TV using the VESA plate that's included.

If I ever need to buy stuff in the future I'd definitely go for an NUC. While the price is a bit higher the flawless playback is worth the extra
Click to expand...

I have 2 Acer Revos in my house and also one of these. Granted the Revos are quite old, this is easily the best system I've ever used.
It plays 30gb Blu ray isos with no stuttering or anything, this is by ethernet not wireless.

It's silent and tiny which really does help tidy things up.
I control it using my phone (Yatse app), however the only thing I haven't figured out is how to turn it on by my phone. One day I'll look into that
 
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Another option to consider is the CuBox-i: http://www.solid-run.com/products/cubox-i-mini-computer/

There are a few different models. The more expensive one has WiFi as standard, and it can be added to the others as an optional extra. The SD card that it comes with can be preloaded with OpenELEC (a fork of XBMC) or Android, you choose which you want when you add it to your basket. It's good value for the hardware you get, and whilst I don't have one myself (I will probably order one before too long) I've heard good things about it. If you use the code "openelec-4-cubox" at the checkout then you can get some money off, although I've no idea how long that offer will run for.
 
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